Obituaries

Shirley C. BILLINGS, 69, of Hallsport, NY, died Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. 

Born July 6, 1955, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Ronald and Beverly Grace Smith Billings.  In spite of her handicaps and health issues her entire life, Shirley never let them hinder her from being a part of whatever activities her family was doing.  Her family and friends have always been important and special to her.  Her nieces and nephews have always held a special place in her heart and life.  Babysitting was especially a highlight in Shirley’s life.  Another highlight in her life was church.  She was a volunteer at Southern Tier Youth for Christ.  Shirley took great delight in photographing many family events and shopping for her family members.  

John W. Dippold, Jr., 83, of 507 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, passed away with his family by his side Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born August 17, 1941 in St. Marys, son of the late John W. and Jeanne Smith Dippold.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1959, and owned JWD Associates as a manufacturer’s representative for many companies.

Walter L. “Butch” Brunner, 86, of Grant Road, Ridgway, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

He was born on March 16, 1938, in Ridgway, the son of the late Walter H. and Hattie States Brunner.

On April 12, 1958, he married the late Janice O’Connell, who preceded him in death in 2016.

Butch was a proud graduate of Ridgway High School and devoted many years of service to the Fairview Coal Company before transitioning into a role at Pro Process after his retirement. Butch was a lifelong enthusiast of fishing and hunting, cherished moments spent in Missouri pursuing his passion for the outdoors, and his adventures were often accompanied by his beloved dog, Hollie. He was also a proud member of Ridgway Boy Scout Troop 93, where he instilled values of leadership and community in younger generations. Butch notably participated in the woodman’s competition, showcasing his dedication to the skills he cherished.

Ann McAvoy

Ann M. McAvoy, 104, of Warren, PA., died peacefully, Monday evening, February 24, 2025, at the Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA., after a long life, surrounded by her loving family. 

Ann was born September 16, 1920, in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of Peter and Mamie Scalise Lucia.  She was a 1937 graduate of Warren High School and attended 8 years at St. Joseph School. She was a graduate of Ora Jean Beauty Academy in Erie, PA. and owned and operated her own beauty salon.  In 1952 she moved to Sheffield, PA., where she resided for 50 years.  She also was employed with New Process Company, working nights before she went to beauty school. She loved spending her birthday with her children at the casino. Ann loved to bowl most her life and she was an avid crocheter and knitter for her children and grandchildren.   She loved to play cards.  Ann was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church. Prior to Ann’s stay at the Rouse, she was a resident of the Watson Memorial Home.

Ronald W. Johnson, 73, of Port Allegany, passed away Saturday (February 22, 2025) at UPMC-Williamsport.

He was born April 19, 1951 in Port Allegany, the son of Roy and Wava (Strang) Johnson. On November 1, 1997, in Jamestown, NY, he married Deborah Finnemore, who survives.

Ron was a graduate of Port Allegany High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973.

Mr. Johnson was employed for over 30 years at originally known as Pierce Glass Co., now Ardagh Group of Port Allegany.

Andrew Pollard

Andrew Pollard, of Lander, PA., died peacefully Tuesday morning, February 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

K-Leigh Oshia Hill-Nelson, 28, of Port Allegany, passed away Sunday (February 23, 2025).

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

Robert “Bob” P. Metarko, 90, formerly of Wellsboro, died on Saturday, February 22, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. He was born June 22, 1934 in Blossburg, PA, a son of Pete and Anna (Wasil) Metarko. After graduating from Charleston Wellsboro Joint High School, he served in the U.S. Army and then graduated with both his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Engineering from Drexel University. Decades of employment at Honeywell were characterized by excellence and advancement. He served as Director of Engineering, providing international oversight and consulting.

Thomas H. Harbaugh, 83, of 955 West Washington Street, Bradford, went to be with the Lord, Friday, February 21, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born October 9, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Roy A. and Anna Rachael (Kroah) Harbaugh. He was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School, and attended Green Lane Theology College.

On November 17, 1962, he married Kathryn L. (Bromley) Harbaugh, who survives.

Tom was employed at Hull Electric Company for 39 years. He held various positions in sales and at one time was the manager of the Warren store. He enjoyed woodworking and hunting. He was a member of Abundant Life Assembly of God Church.

Ann McAvoy

Ann Lucia McAvoy, 104, of Warren, PA., died Monday evening, February 24, 2025. 

Visitation hours will be observed on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc.

A complete obituary will be announced when available.

Ralph Augustas Rose, 91, of Derrick City, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather died on February 24, 2025 at his residence, with his four daughters by his side.

Born in Lewis Run on April 20, 1933, he was the son of Philip M. and Pauline Knapp Rose, Sr.

Ralph attended St. Bernard’s school and graduated from Bradford High School in 1952.  He graduated in 1953 from Kimball Union Academy, a top private school in New England.

Ralph was married to Judith Oliver Rose on August 28, 1954 in St. Francis Church and enjoyed 63 years together.  They started dating when they were in the 9^th grade and met in typing class.

William James Cummiskey, 95, of East Aurora, NY, passed away, Wednesday February 19, 2025, at Veterans Hospital in Buffalo, NY.

Born March 2, 1929, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Francis “Frank” and Mary Ellen (Hogan) Cummiskey.

Bill was a 1947 graduate of St. Bernard High School and attended University of Tulsa, Canisius College and University at Buffalo.

On January 5, 1948, he enlisted into the United States Navy, he served in Korea on LSM 419, and was stationed at Destroyer Base, San Diego, CA, The battles he seved in during the Korean War, Inchon Landing 1950, Evacuation at Hungnam 1950 and First U.N. Counter Offensive 1951. He was honorably discharged on December 19, 1951.

On Monday, February 24th, 2025, the heavens welcomed Joanne Dorothy Mosier, who passed away peacefully at Elk Haven Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 10, 1936, in St. Marys, PA, Joanne was the daughter of the late Howard and Dorothy (Heiberger) McAllister. On January 22, 1955, she married the love of her life, William “Bill” H. Mosier, at Sacred Heart Church in St. Marys. Together, they shared 47 wonderful years, raising their seven children in their home on Main Street in Kersey, PA. Bill preceded her in death in 2002.

Joanne attended Kaulmont, Sacred Heart, and Central Catholic High School before earning her Certificate of Director of Religious Education from Mercyhurst College. She worked as a nurse’s aide at Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital for 15 years and later in the cafeteria at Elk Christian Catholic High School.

Faith played a central role in Joanne’s life. She dedicated many years to teaching religious education at St. Boniface Elementary School and served as a lector and chairperson at St. Boniface Church. She and Bill also sang together in the church choir, sharing their love of music with the community.

Gary Edward FALK, 78, of Kane, PA, formerly of Port Allegany, died Monday, February 24, 2025 in his home.  

Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

John VanSlander, formerly of Rasselas, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Joanne D. Mosier, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of Kersey, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Robert “Bob” P. Metarko, 90, formerly of Wellsboro, died on Saturday, February 22, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.

He was born June 22, 1934 in Blossburg, PA, a son of Pete and Anna (Wasil) Metarko. After graduating from Charleston Wellsboro Joint High School, he served in the U.S. Army and then graduated with both his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Engineering from Drexel University. Decades of employment at Honeywell were characterized by excellence and advancement. He served as Director of Engineering, providing international oversight and consulting.

He was married for 67 years to his best friend, the late Edith J. (Greener) Metarko and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Wit and wisdom were par for the course.  A blessing to all who knew him, his unwavering passion to help others was evidenced by his generosity of time, talents, and gifts.

Consiglia A. “Consi” Wheeler, 96, of Kersey, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born on October 31, 1928, in Rasselas, the daughter of the late Dominic and Eva DeStefano DiNardo.

On April 11, 1953, at Holy Rosary Church, she married the late Russell B. Wheeler, who preceded her in death on January 27, 2009. Consi spent many years working at Stackpole, Anthony’s Restaurant, and Imbrogno Italian Market. Known for her love of baking and cooking, she especially looked forward to making homemade pasta and pies for holiday gatherings, a culinary tradition that brought joy to her family and friends. Consi cherished her upbringing on the family farm, often reminiscing about the fond memories of her childhood. She was also known for her compassionate spirit, volunteering with the Guardian Angels for many years.

Lila Pepperman-Hewitt               “beloved aunt”

Lila Pepperman-Hewitt, 99, of Coudersport, formerly of Coneville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Born on Saturday, August 8, 1925 in Coneville, she was a daughter of Thomas J. and Frankie Sprague Pepperman.  She was married to Jack D. Hewitt, who passed away on February 10, 2017.

Lila was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School.  She was employed for many years as a secretary for the Department of Agriculture.  After her retirement, Lila worked with her brother, Si Pepperman, in his auction business.

Linda J. ANDREWS, 77, of Mechanicsburg, PA, formerly of Cowanesque, died Monday, February 17, 2025 in her home.  Born May 11, 1947, in Westfield Township, she was the daughter of Lewis Calvin and Fern E. Webster Andrews.  

A 1965 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in French and Elementary Education from Houghton University and a master’s degree in education from Mansfield University.  She was a teacher at Westfield Elementary School for 37 years.  Linda attended the First Baptist Church in Westfield.  Her sister, Bonnie L. Andrews, survived until her death on Thursday, February 20, 2025.  

Linda is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends and former students.  

She was predeceased by her brother, Billie L. Andrews, on May 25, 2022.  Private burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Holiday, Middlebury Township.  

Memorials may be made to Houghton University, One Willard Ave., P.O. Box 128, Houghton, NY 14744 or online at www.houghton.edu/giving.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Stephen Baldoni Eldred

Stephen Baldoni, 74, of Edson St. passed away on Wednesday (February19th, 2024) at the St. Vincent Medical Center in Erie following a brief illness. Born July 21st, 1950 to the late Gino and Jane (Renehan) Baldoni.  Steve graduated from Archbishop Walsh High School Class of 1968. 

After High School Steve enlisted in the US Navy where served during the Vietnam War.   When Steve Returned to the area he worked at PetroWax in Farmers Valley as a security guard for many years.  His main passion in life was his work at the Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance service, where he was a lifetime member and held many different positions, Including being an EMT for many years, he was also active with McKean County EMS services.

Jack Lewis Lent             

COLESBURG, PA–Jack Lewis Lent, 79, of Colesburg, PA, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with his loving family at his side, after a brief illness.

He was born on April 22, 1945, in Coudersport, PA son of Lewis L. and Ruth “Marie” Barker Lent.  On June 12, 1968, at Park United Methodist Church, Jack married the love of his life, Nancy K. Snyder who survives.

He was a graduate of Coudersport High School, class of 1963. He went on to study and play football at Glenville College, in West Virginia. Soon after, he was drafted and served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1967 attaining the rank of SP4. After active military he served in the National Guard for several years.

As soon as he was able to milk a cow, he worked on his parent’s dairy farm and continued to do so until his parents retired from farming. He spent his entire career at Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, which later became El Paso Energy. After a hunting accident in 2003, he retired after 35 years of service.

Ronald W. Johnson, 73, of Port Allegany, passed away Saturday (February 22, 2025) at UPMC-Williamsport.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

Are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary

Lila Pepperman-Hewitt

COUDERSPORT, PA—Lila Pepperman-Hewitt, 99, of Coudersport, formerly of Coneville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Funeral arrangements, under the direction of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Jack Lewis Lent             

Jack Lewis Lent, 79, of Colesburg, PA, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with his loving family at his side, after a brief illness.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Jessica Lynn Smith, 31 of Rt. 6 in Smethport, tragically lost her life on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Jessica was born February 14, 1993, in Bradford.  She is the daughter of Jennifer Moore and Robert Hamilton Jr. of Cyclone.

On May 25, 2013, at Mystic Water Resort in Limestone, NY, she married Travis M. Smith who survives. 

Jessica was a 2011 graduate of Smethport Area Jr/Sr High School.  She later achieved her CNA certificate from the Lutheran Home at Kane, LPN from Penn Tech College and an RN Associate of Science Degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.  She was currently attending Capella University to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.

Jessica started her medical career at Helpmates in Smethport as a home healthcare aid advancing her career to the Lutheran Home at Kane, Sena Kean Manor, Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center and Bradford Manor.  At the time of her passing to heaven, she worked full-time at UPMC Kane in the acute care unit and emergency room as an RN and per diem at the Lutheran Home at Kane.

She enjoyed fishing, hunting, reading, walking, music and spending time with her family.  All her activities included her husband, Travis, and their five children.

Leah M. Sain, 81, formerly of Terrace Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025 following a brief illness.

She was born on April 29, 1943 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Robert and Leah Spuller Dowie.

Her first husband, Robert Campana, preceded her in death on August 27, 1969. On July 5, 1973, she married the late Donald Sain, who preceded her in death on November 12, 2023.

Stuart Alan Abbott, 76, of Wellsville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in his home. He was born October 11, 1948, in Wellsville, the son of the late Leon G. and Lena G. (Baldwin) Abbott. 

“Al” was raised in Wellsville, graduating from Wellsville High School in 1966. He continued his education at Mansfield University. He enlisted with the United States Air Force and served in the Military Police, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Wellsville and entered the workforce, sometimes working up to three jobs at once, in establishments such as the Respiratory Therapy Department at Jones Memorial Hospital, Bonnie’s Frames & Things, Hart’s Jewelry, JC Penny Company, Kerton’s Greenhouse, Better Days, (under several owners), Medical Transport Services, and Genesee Valley Home Medical. He excelled in his customer service skills, but most of all was a master landscaper, working for many families in the area, and took great pride in maintaining “Bradley Gardens”. Outside of his work, he was active in the community with groups such as, The Wellsville Players (both acting and directing), the Genesee Valley Chorus, sang with and played the bells for Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, and was a member of The American Legion Post 702, Grace United Church, and the former Christian Temple.